As a World War II and Korean War veteran in the U.S. Air Force, Daniel Bliss fought fear on behalf of others.
He’s now 95 years old, but he’s certainly not done fighting. According to USA Today, Bliss literally dove into action when a boy at the local neighborhood pool was too scared to jump off the diving board.
With a desire to show the boy that fear is something that can be wrangled, Bliss walked over to the springboard with a cane in hand and, with the assistance of friends and family, climbed up.
At 95, his balance was shaky but his will was steady. As he walked to the end of the diving board, he took his time, flexed his bicep and nearly lost his balance. But, once he was ready to leap, he surprised everyone and dove head first into the water.
“He is very spry for his age — he’s 95 soon to be 96-years-old and is both a WWII and Korean War veteran in the U.S. Air Force. He is full of amazing stories and has a song for every situation,” his daughter, Christine Ross, told USA Today.
Lucky for us, she captured the moment on video [Note: The video incorrectly states his name is “Michael.”]
“Little did we know he would actually dive. He said soon after this video that he wants to be seen around the world,” his grandson said.
As for whether the fearful boy — who was the catalyst for Bliss diving into the water — jumped afterward? We’re still awaiting word.
In the meantime, we’re giving Bliss a perfect 10.00, not only for his dive, but for his willingness to show the boy that fear is only a reaction, and it can be overcome by facing it and pushing forward, even if a cane is needed in the process.
